Former Oz players back Clarke as best Test captain since Mark Taylor

Sydney, Nov 13(ANI): Various former Australian players have branded Michael Clarke as the best Test captain since the Mark Taylor era.

During Channel Nine's commentary on day four of the first Test at the Gabba, Michael Slater was insistent in declaring Clarke was Australia's best captain since Taylor.

Cricketing analyst Rodney Hogg, who played under Ian and Greg Chappell, believes Clarke is a natural leader.

"I wouldn't have necessarily thought that two years ago but he has been outstanding since he came in against England in Sydney last year in the final match of the Ashes series," News.com.au quoted Hogg, as saying.

"I like the fact he will never bowl someone for a really long spell because history will show you don't normally take wickets that way as a pace bowler. I think what we are seeing is a bit of Shane Warne given the two are good friends, but a lot of Michael Clarke who appears as natural," he added.

Fast bowling coach Damien Fleming said there were plenty of people ready to pounce on Clarke when he first began.

"But right from his first Test as full-time captain, which was in Galle against Sri Lanka, he led via his batting when he charged down the track to a quality spinner in Herath on a raging turner," Fleming said.

"He got 60 off 80 balls which was a classic innings given the conditions and he set up the win for us," he added

"His winning percentage may not be the best but that is totally relevant to the bowlers you have at your disposal. Clarke has done a great job because he doesn't have a great team," he said. (ANI)